BHS Marching Band ready for state contest (Audio included)

The Bellefontaine High School Marching Band will head to state contest on Sunday. The Pride of the Tribe will perform at 5:30 at Dayton Welcome Stadium. Ratings will be announced at 6:00.

Bands qualify to state contest by earning a Superior rating of I at a district contest. The BHS band performed at three district contests this season. At Columbus Grove and Marion Local the band earned Superior ratings, giving them their state qualification.

Pictured Left: Colorguard member Riley Penhorwood practices with her flag.

The band is directed by Joe Antram. He has directed the Bellefontaine band for 29 years. Austin Blankemeyer and Cody Hullinger are the drum majors.

At all contests, the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) sends judges to watch bands perform. The bands are given scores for marching, music, and general effect. The scores are combined, and bands are given an overall score of I, II, III, IV, or V.

Based on number of members, Bellefontaine competes in Class A. This is the second largest class, behind Class AA. Bellefontaine's band has 120 members.

The band show this year is "1968 - A Year of Change." The show features songs relating to the era, including "Aquarius," "Rebellious Youth," "Why?," and "Freedom."

Movable props are used that feature "1968," prominent figures from the age, and a sun.

Colorguard wears hippie outfits to represent the times.

This is Mr. Antram's last year directing the band. He will be retiring at the end of the 2012-13 school year.

Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and school-age kids. Children under 5 can be admitted free of charge.